"Coven Craft", a really amazing book.

[MyValenwind]

I suppose this is a good apot.
I ordered from Barnes and Noble and finally picked up the book "Coven Craft" by Amber K (because Lark recommended it, thank you so much Lark), and it's really awesome (B&N actually ordered two of the same book when I wanted one, maybe some lucky winner will pick the other one up from the shelf and find it just as awesome as I do lol). I've gotten a bit into it, I'm at the part that's all about rituals, and like I said, so far, it's really awesome. The author even goes over legal matters and things you have to go through in order for your coven to officially be recognized as a church, obtaining a permanent covenstead, becoming tax-exempt, and all that other important stuff.
I noticed that some of the legal business seems to be a pretty simple process, it's just sorting things out between yourself and the coven and holding it all together that's the more difficult part. I definitely don't wanna rush into creating a coven and becoming a high priestess cause it's obviously a really large and time-consuming job, and yeah, I can definitely wait until I officially get initiated and then someday be ordained in the priesthood. I like doing things right the first time, I don't wanna put a ton of time and effort into a project just to let it fail instantly.
Great, now I forgot why I posted this besides letting everybody know how awesome this book is. 
Meh. Well, I'm also reading "The Golden Dawn" too, and it seems like almost all the basic information (and more) I have in my other collection of books is in this single book, and I wanted to facepalm so hard when I realized it, but... yeah. It's another interesting book as well, a book I'm very determined to reach the end of (which my first goal was saving the money to buy it lol).
Is it possible to read too much? I've noticed I can't seem to go one day without reading something lengthy like a chapter of a book, or fanfiction, and I read so quickly, next thing I know, it's over!

Wow. Please excuse the rambling. XD

[Zenon]

hahaha, oh no, please, don't rush into becoming a high priestess, running you own coven, getting tax exempt, LOL!!!!!  

I don't know why, but it seems you're new at this, why not start with some lighter material?  

The Golden Dawn book, the Coven Craft book, they're great books, but not necesarily what you need right now!

[MyValenwind]

LOL. At the time when I posted this I was a bit tired, and after reading it over a few times, it looks really newb-ish. LOL. I've been reading tons of the basic stuff from Cunningham, Buckland, Murphy-Hiscock, and others, many of the better '101' books you can find, you know? I've been studying and practicing for a while, and I'm pretty solid and stable in my practices as a witch, of course always up for experiment. The reason I got TGD is to have something to sort of research into and get deeper into things (after getting tired of the 101 books eventually repeating each other lol)... plus I'm a bookworm, so... yeah.
Of course, don't worry, I don't plan to rush. 

[Rowan CedarWolf]

an excellent book on the craft is "the elements of ritual" by Deborah Lipp

[Lark]

One thing you'll find is that very, very few groups ever go for tax-exampt or legal church status.  Gaining that status is fairly easy (although expensive) but keeping it requires your group to have a board of directors and to keep close track of income and outflow of money which has to be reported to the IRS every year.  Frankly its more headaches than it's worth in my opinion.  In all the years I've been with Oak, Ash, and Thorn or in running my own coven we never tried to seek tax-exempt status.

The thing which brings most groups to grief over the long run are the interpersonal issues that arise in any group.  That's why I always recommend reading carefully through Judy Harrow's book "Wicca Covens" in conjunction with "CovenCraft".  Judy covers in depth how groups function, how to handle interpersonal conflicts, and how to keep all those disparate cats in your group happy and working together.

-Lark-

[MyValenwind]

Ahh I see, Lark. Thanks for clearing that up for me, I had the idea that becoming tax exempt and obtaining legal church status was extremely highly suggested.
It's still a good idea to contact COG of course, right? That looks more beneficial than anything.
If I have enough to spare in my next paycheck, I'll look into ordering "Wicca Covens" too. Thanks, Lark!

[Lark]

Well you might want to do some research before you decide whether or not to be a COG group.  Some things to think about include both the fact that your coven rules will have to be in accordance with COG policy AND your group will have to send a percentage of whatever monies the coven takes in to COG every year.  You will also have to be evaluated by at least two recognized members of COG and only if they recommend you will you be admitted into COG.  My own Trad took a look at the requirements and decided that it really wasn't all that beneficial to us.

-Lark-

[MyValenwind]

So your coven didn't join COG either? So... pretty much the best thing to do is go through initiation and degrees myself with a lineaged coven and then start a coven on my own when it's the appropriate time, eh? XD

[Lark]

So your coven didn't join COG either? So... pretty much the best thing to do is go through initiation and degrees myself with a lineaged coven and then start a coven on my own when it's the appropriate time, eh? XD

That would be my recommendation if that's what you feel you are called to.  It will provide you with excellent training both in terms of Wicca AND in terms of what it takes to keep a group functioning.  Then if you want to start your own group you will be thoroughly prepared.  It's not that you can't do it on your own, but it's much, much harder to be successful that way.

-Lark-